Musical Notes

The Advent season has always been one of great excitement to me - especially as a child. I often experienced a growing sense of anticipation towards the coming of Christmas and presents and occasionally (only too rarely) the marking of the season with an Advent calendar - perhaps with small chocolates hidden behind little doors.

On a different level it marked the beginning of the church year (adventus (latin) - 'coming') and starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25.

For Christians Advent is a reminder of the original waiting done by the Hebrews for the birth of the Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ's return.

The theme of the readings and teachings during Advent is usually to prepare for the Second Coming while commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas.

At the Advent Carol service we will depart slightly from singing Christmas carols (although some carols that we will sing at Christmas will be included). Here we will sing, in the main, Advent carols, with especial reference to Christ's coming. The service is entitled 'From Darkness to Light' and will start with the church in darkness - although candles may be used for some illumination. I am sure that this occasion will be an exciting and stimulating start to the church year and preparing us for the great festival of Christmas.

The choir will be an expanded one with people who normally don't take a prominent part in the singing and who wish to experience the joy of this endeavour to feel free to join us. We especially need the strength and support of men!! (Not that our ladies are weak in any way whatsoever!!!). If you have never tried this before - come along to a practice and give it a go!

Generally the singing will be in 4 parts (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass) and to help all parts learn I will provide CD's of the Carols with the parts (Soprano/Alto,Tenor/Bass) recorded so that choir people can learn them easily. The idea is that the CD is played in the car, while you sing along - hopefully avoiding all other cars and obstacles!

My email is: argyle46@gmail.com and if you decide to come along, please send me an email or give me a ring (0405 125 023).

The information I need is:

Name, email, phone number, if you have sung before in a choir, and what part you would sing (Sop/Alto/Ten/Bass) if you know. If you do not know what part you would sing, then we will find out - very gently - at the first choir practice.

Practices will start week beginning 17 October. The exact time and day will be publicised during this week.

Look forward to seeing you there!!!